El Chinchal de El Arco Closed now

El Chinchal de El Arco in San Pedro, Breña Alta on La Palma, is for us one of those restaurants on the eastern side of the island that we always enjoy returning to. The restaurant combines modern Canarian cuisine with Mediterranean influences and a relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect both for a cosy dinner and for a break after a day of exploring. Thanks to its location in San Pedro, the restaurant is also very easy to reach and offers a great alternative to the larger restaurants in Santa Cruz de La Palma. The name of the restaurant is also interesting: the word “Chinchal” comes from the old Canarian-Cuban tobacco tradition and originally referred to small family workshops or workspaces where cigars were produced, creating a beautiful connection to the traditional history of Breña Alta.

From the moment you arrive, the restaurant feels welcoming and inviting. Inside there is a lovely dining room with a cosy atmosphere, while several tables on the terrace in front of the restaurant invite guests to enjoy a relaxed meal outdoors. Especially on pleasant days or in the evening, it is a very peaceful and comfortable place to sit. Overall, the restaurant feels modern and well maintained without being overly formal or pretentious.

One thing that always stands out positively to us is the service. The team works in a friendly, fast and uncomplicated way, making guests feel comfortable immediately. Even when the restaurant is busy, the atmosphere remains relaxed and enjoyable. It is exactly this combination of laid-back ambience and high-quality food that makes El Chinchal de El Arco one of our favourite restaurant recommendations on the eastern side of La Palma.

The menu is varied and offers something suitable for almost every taste. Typical starters include bread with different homemade spreads, grilled cheese or the classic Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce. In addition, there are regularly changing starters and smaller dishes that are perfect for sharing. This makes the restaurant ideal for a long and relaxed evening with several courses.

We also really like that the main menu changes regularly. This means that even after several visits, guests can often discover new dishes and seasonal specialties. Meat lovers will find an excellent selection of different dishes. Particularly delicious are the pork medallions with mushroom sauce and sweet potato, which are perfectly balanced in flavour. We can also highly recommend the entrecôte with orange and rosemary sauce, giving the dish a special and slightly Mediterranean touch. Of course, there are also classic meat dishes such as premium beef fillet, beautifully presented and always cooked perfectly to the right point.

Guests who prefer poultry or fish will also find very good alternatives. The chicken curry is one of those dishes that is pleasantly spiced without feeling too heavy. We especially enjoy the tuna dishes as well. The sesame-coated tuna tastes excellent and perfectly reflects the modern and creative direction of the kitchen.

In general, the main dishes are very well prepared and beautifully presented without appearing artificial or overcomplicated. It is clear that the kitchen works with quality ingredients and places great importance on flavour and presentation.

The desserts also fit perfectly into the overall concept of the restaurant. The Crema Catalana is highly recommended, creamy and very well balanced in flavour. Guests looking for something fresher can choose from different ice creams. Depending on availability, there are also other desserts, cakes or homemade croquettes that change regularly and provide additional variety.

Naturally, a good drinks menu is also part of the experience. The wine selection is very well chosen and offers excellent pairings for the different dishes. In addition, there are soft drinks, beer and coffee, making it easy to spend a long and relaxed evening here.

Thanks to its combination of friendly service, varied cuisine, modern Canarian gastronomy and relaxed atmosphere, El Chinchal de El Arco is for us clearly one of the best restaurant recommendations on the eastern side of La Palma. The restaurant is ideal for couples, families, holidaymakers and food lovers looking to enjoy a cosy and high-quality meal after a day exploring the eastern part of the island.